Commons Sense

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Strategic Export Licences Israel 2024-04-30

2024-04-30

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Owen Thompson
▸ Context
The question arises from concerns about the conduct of military operations in Gaza and potential violations of international humanitarian law.
If the Government will revoke strategic export licences to Israel, given the extensive evidence of potential war crimes and violations by Israel in Gaza. The UK's arms export licence criteria aim to prevent fuelling future atrocities.
Andrew Mitchell
The British position on export licences is unchanged, but it will be kept under review. The UK's approach is consistent with most like-minded partners who have not suspended existing arms export licences to Israel.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Commitment to suspend the transfer of arms to Israel
Our Position On The Arms Embargo Is Unchanged
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Owen Thompson
▸ Context
The question stems from concerns over the potential for UK military weaponry to fuel future atrocities in Gaza based on evidence of war crimes.
Given that the arms export licence criteria aim to prevent fuelling atrocities, does the Minister agree with constituents who believe the Government should now suspend arms transfers to Israel due to potential war crimes and violations?
Andrew Mitchell
Our position on the arms embargo is consistent with most like-minded partners who have not suspended licences. It would be an odd decision for us to take when we use our own military weaponry to defend Israel from attacks.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Agreement that UK policy allows suspending arm transfers outside the licensing system
It Would Be An Odd Decision Our Position Is Consistent With Like-Minded Partners
Response accuracy
Q3 Direct Answer
Michael Ellis
▸ Context
The question refers to the International Criminal Court's lack of jurisdiction over Israel due to its non-signatory status and previous UK Prime Minister's letter stating that ICC lacks jurisdiction.
Can the Deputy Foreign Secretary confirm if His Majesty's Government still maintains that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over Israel based on the statute of Rome?
Andrew Mitchell
We do not think the ICC has jurisdiction over Israel as stated, but it is ultimately for the ICC to determine.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy